Character generation marking device

ABSTRACT

A method of and apparatus for character generation marking wherein a plurality of liquid spray nozzles, each adapted to spray a line segment on the object to be marked, are cooperatively arranged with respect to one another to spray a segmented character on the object when they are selectively actuated. An electrical character selection circuit is provided to selectively actuate the desired combination of nozzles to generate the corresponding segmented character.

United States Patent H113,584,571

[72] Inventor Ronald H.Schmol1 2,916,826 9/1955 Huebnerm. 101/1Broadview Heights. Ohio 3,152,858 10/1964 Wadey 346/75 [21] Appl. No.663,399 3,177,800 4/1965 Welsh. 101/1 [22] Filed Aug. 25, 1967 3,179,0424/1965 Naiman 101/1 [45] Patented June 15, 1971 3,195,142 7/1965 Benn eta1". 346/74 [73] Assignee The Pannier Corporation 3,211,088 10/1965Naiman..... 101/114 3,249,302 5/1966 Bowles 235/201 3,277,818 /1966 Cone101/92 [541 C"ARACTERGE}ER5*TlNMARKINGDEVICE 215321333 31132? 52235251.:3:: 312132 6 Dm'mg 3,335,332 8/1967 Epstein et a1. 317/3 [52] U.S.Cl.1111/], 3,416,153 12/1968 Hertz et a1. 346/75 346/75, 101/114, 197/1,101/366, 1 1181/3135 Primary Examiner wimam B. Penn 51 Int. Cl ems/112,Ammekcamthe and Gamma G01d 15/18 Field of Search lOl/l, 426, T C Amethod f and apparatus f character 93 RC 114. 109. 350. 365, 366; 197/1: generation marking wherein a plurality of liquid spray nozzles,

346/75,74, 76; 118/315, 3 3, 1 17/37, 38 each adapted to spray a linesegment on the object to be marked, are cooperatively arranged withrespect to one 9 References Cited another to spray a segmented characteron the object when UNITED STATES PATENTS they are selectively actuated.An electrical character selection 3,] 1 1,897 1 1/ 1963 VanBuskirk 101/350 circuit is provided to selectively actuate the desired combina-3,384,0 13 5/1968 King et a1 101/366X tion of nozzles to generate thecorresponding segmented 2,577,894 12/1951 Jacob, 346/ character.

PATENTED JUN 1 5 I97! SHEET 0F 4 CAROTHEE$ C'AROTHERS H15 A Tron/ 5345CHARACTER GENERATION MARKING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thisinvention relates generally to the art of marking and more specificallyto character generation for the marking of objects such as steel plateand the like.

In the present day practice of marking articles such as steel plate, foridentification and the like, a hand stencil'operation is employed whichrequires a precut stencil and hand painting. This is a relatively slowprocess which involves considerable time and expense.

In an attempt to reduce this required time, a circular stencil for thegeneration of each identification digit has been employed. However, thisprocess merely increases the speed with which the operator maysubstitute one hand stencil for another in forming the identificationmark. The operator is still required, however, to hand paint or spraythe character on the object.

SUMMARY OF THE'INVENTION The character generation marking as taught bythe present invention provides a selection or.plurality of'liquid spraynozzles each adapted to spray a line segment on an object to be marked.The nozzles are disposed in a predetermined arrangement to permit thesprayed line segments from a selected combination of the nozzles toproduce any desired character. Marking fluid is supplied to each of thenozzles which are selectively actuated to employ theirrespective linesegments in combination to generate a desired character.

The nozzles are preferably and selectively actuated by an electric valvemeans such as a seriesof independent electromagnetically operated valvesor switches which are in turn selectively energized by a characterselection circuit. For example, the nozzles may be each a part ofindependent liquid spray guns or distributors which are independentlyoperated by corresponding solenoids which are selectively energized by acharacter selection network.

The nozzles may be arranged such that their respective sprayed linesegments will form or produce a segmented character master matrix if allthe nozzles .are simultaneously actuated. For example, if digits are thedesired characters to be generated, a square or right angle figure ordigit eight may be employed as the character master matrix since all theother digits, namely, zero through nine, may be produced or originatedfrom the segmented square figure eight by employing only those sprayedline segments of the square figure eight necessary to generate thedesired square or right angle digit.

The character size and resolution may be varied according to thedistance that the nozzles are placed from the work and by the type ofnozzle employed.

The marking flu'id supply to the distributors or nozzles is preferably acontinuously recirculating fluid supply. Such a fluid supply maycomprise a closed loop fluid series circuit including a marking fluidsource, such as an ink reservoir, a pump and the spray distributorsthemselves. Thus a continuouslyrecirculating marking fluid feed isprovided to the distributors or spray guns. This prevents coagulating orsettling of the particles and hardening of the ink in the supply lines.The ink supply lines to the different distributors may be connected inparallel with one another requiring a single source of ink and one pump.The ink is preferably filtered to remove particles or small coagulationsfound in the continuously flowing ink supply lines.

The distributors may be pneumatically operated spray guns which areindividually valved or shut on or off by solenoid operated pneumaticvalves. A character selection circuit is connected with the solenoidoperated valves to preselect the desired combination of distributors orspray guns to be activated. When the desired character selection hasbeen made a spray switch is depressed to energize the correspondingsolenoids.

The character selection circuit or circuit means preferably comprises aclosed loop series circuit including a power source and a switch and acharacter selection network. The character selection network consists ofa parallel connection of subnetworks which are equal in number to thenumber of the solenoids employed to activate the spray guns which wouldbe one solenoid for each distributor employed. Each subnetwork includesa series connection of one of the solenoids and a switch. Thus acharacter may be selected by closing a predetermined selection of theswitches. When the main switch or spray switch is depressed only thepreselected solenoids will be activated and in turn their correspondingspray guns which will generatethe desired segmented character.

The spray switch may be a semiconductor controlled rectifi er such as asilicon controlled rectifier with associated circuit means to switch therectifier on and off for a timed interval.

The switches provided in the aforementioned subnetwork may be gangedrotary switches which have a number of switch positions each which areequal to the number of the characters to be generated or characterswhich may be generated from the master matrixl The switch positionsfound about each individual rotary switch are selectively connected ornot connected with the solenoid in its subnetwork to successivelygenerate a difierent character with each ganged switch position.

This circuit means requires manual operation in selecting the desiredcharacter; however, the circuit may be readily adapted to accommodateautomatic character selection. This is accomplished by operating each ofthe subnetwork switches by corresponding electromagnets. Each of theelectromagnets have one terminal end connected to one terminal of apower source such as a DC power supply. A plurality of characterselection switches which are equal in number to the different characterswhich may be generated from the character master matrix, are providedwith one end connected to the other terminal of the power source orsupply. The other terminal end or connection of each of the switches areeach connected to an independent selection of the open ends of theelectromag- F nets to generate the desired segmented charactercorresponding to the character selection switch which is selectivelydepressed. Thus the character selection switch may be automaticallyselected and depressed by a computer tape reader for example.

Other objects and advantages appear hereinafter in the followingdescription and claims.

The accompanying drawings show, for the purpose of exemplificationwithout limiting the invention or the claims thereto, certain practicalembodiments illustrating the principles of this invention wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the ink distributors with their nozzles placedin a predetermined master matrix character arrangement.

FIG. 2 is a view inside elevation of the distributor arrangement shownin H6. 1.

FlG. 3 is a pictorial plan view illustrating a segmented Referring toFlGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the distributors or spray guns 1 areconsecutively designated as guns A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Each of theguns I are pneumatically operated. and provided with air inlets 2 whichare connected to a pneumatic pressure source.

' The distributors I are slidably mounted on mounting rods 3 in orderthat the arrangement of the distributors may bechanged as desired.

. desired character master matrix.

Locking screws or bolts 7 are provided on each distributor l and extendtherethrough to one of the mounting rods 3 to lock each of the spraygenerators in position.

Each generator 1 has an ink inlet 10 and an ink outlet 11 to providecontinuous circulation of the marking fluid through the distributors.

A nozzle '12 is provided for each spray gun along with nozzle extensions13 which permit the nozzles 12 to be grouped or arranged in closerproximity than do the bulkier spray generators alone to obtain touchingline segments as sprayed by the nozzles.

The nozzle extensions 13 are coupled to the spray generators 1 throughcouplings 14. Couplings 14 are swivel couplings which permit extensions13 and nozzles 12 to be properly positioned. Each of the nuts providedon the couplings 14 are then tightened to maintain the nozzles 12 inposition.

Similar couplings 15 are provided on each of the nozzles 12 to permitindividual positioning of the nozzles such that the sprayed linesegments adjoin one another to form the desired character master matrixon the material to be marked which is designated 16.

The mounting rods 3 are mounted to a frame positioned over the work 16.This frame may be stationary if the work 16 is to be moved under thespray generators for marking or the frame may be a driven carriage whichmoves over the work 16 when the latter is stationary.

The nozzles 12 spray the marking fluid in a fan shaped pattern asindicated at 17 to provide'a relatively thin line segment on thematerial 16. This is illustrated by the spray segmented character shownin FIG. 3.

The embodiments illustrated are set up for digital generation; however,additional spray generators 1 may be added to the system or taken awayas required to provide a nozzle arrangement which will generate anydesired segmented character.

The digit master matrix shown in FIG. 3 is the numeral 8, from which thenumerals 0 through 9 may be composed or derived. Each of the segmentsmaking up the FIG. 8 are alphabetically designated in correspondencewith their respective or corresponding spray generator 1.

The desired character or digit may be generated by selecting the propercombination of the generators 1 to be activated. For example, to formthe digit 0, the spray generators A, B, C, D and F would besimultaneously activated. The digit 1 would be generated by activatingspray generators A and B. Thus any segmented digit may be generated byactivating its corresponding selection of spray generators 1.

The schematic diagram of FIG. 4 illustrates the piping connections forthe marking fluid supply and the pneumatic pressure supplied to thegenerators 1. The inlets 10 and outlets 11 of. the spray generators areconnected in parallel by means of the inlet manifold 18 and outletmanifold 20. The inlet 21 of manifold 18 is connected to filter 22 whichis in turn connected to outlet 26 of pump 23.

The filter 22 serves to remove coagulations or particles from thecirculating marking fluid or ink. The outlet 24 of outlet manifold isconnected with hose or the like to the pump inlet 25.

The housing 27 contains the pump 23 and a marking fluid reservoir tocontinuously supply marking fluid to the system.

This piping arrangement permits the marking fluid or ink to becontinuously recirculated through the generators 1 thus preventing theink from hardening in the pipes. The pump 23 is preferably of thereciprocating piston type.

The pneumatic inlet connections 2 on each of the generators l areconnected respectively to the solenoid operated valves 28. The solenoidsoperating the valves 28 are respectively designated A, B, C, D, E, F,and G in correspondence with their respective spray generators A throughG. Thus the generators l are selectively activated by activating acorresponding selection of solenoids A through G.

The inlets of valves 28 are connected to a common high pressurepneumatic source of approximately pounds per square inch. When valves 28are in their open position, as determined by the energization of theirrespective solenoids, the piping circuit from the respective inlet 2 ofthe spray generator 1 to the pneumatic source 30 is completed. Whenvalves 28 are in their closed or off position the pneumatic inlets 2 areopen to the exterior atmosphere to immediately exhaust the pneumaticpressure within the spray guns 1 upon deenergization of the solenoids Athrough G. Otherwise, the distributors 1 would continue to distributethe marking fluid for a short period after the valves 28 are closed.

The solenoids A through G which operate the valves 28 are independentlyand selectively energized by means of a character selection circuit suchas shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 5.

The circuit of FIG. 5 consists primarily of a closed loop series circuitconsisting of the DC power supply 30, the character selection network 31and the switch 32 which in this instance is a semiconductor or siliconcontrol rectifier with its associated circuitry to switch the same onand off for timed intervals. However, a simple switch will serve thesame purpose but will not provide the accurate and short timing given bythe silicon controlled rectifier and its associated circuitry.

The character selection circuit 31 consists of a parallel connection ofsubnetworks, all of which are conductive loads. Each subnetwork is aseries circuit of one of the solenoids A through G, one of the resistorsR, and one of the rotary digit selector switches S, through S Rotaryswitches 5, through 8,; are ganged, lO-position switches. Each rotaryswitch S through S has its respective 10 positions, which are indicatedby the digits 0 through 9 successively, selectively connected or leftunconnected to its respective resistor R, and solenoid S through S Thuseach ganged switch position 0 through 9 will generate its respectivecharacter or digit when switch 32 is closed.

For example, when the ganged digit selector switch is positioned at the0 digit position as indicated in FIGS, rotary switch S is closed, S isclosed, S is closed, 5,, is closed, S is closed, S is closed, but 8,;remains open. Thus by referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 it can be readily seenthat the segment G of the master matrix will be omitted when switch 32is closed as solenoid G and spray distributor G will not be activated.

The SCR or switch 32 is turned on by applying a small positive voltagespike to the gate G of the SCR. Resistors R and R act as a voltagedivider which supplies a small positive voltage to capacitor C, throughthe back contact of spray switch 33 when it is in its closed position asshown in FIG. 5. Thus capacitor C, acquires a small positive chargewhich is released to the gate G of SCR 32 when switch 33 is depressed toclose its front contacts.

When SCR 32 conducts, capacitor C acquires a positive charge throughresistor R and the normally closed or back contact CR of relay CR,.Relay CR, is activated from the power supply 30 through the variableresistor or potentiometer R blocking diode D, and on through SCR 32 tothe ground terminal of power supply 30.

The time within which relay CR, will open after SCR 32 begins conductionis dependent upon the setting of the potentiometer R, by which the spraytime may be varied from 10 milliseconds to infinity.

After the time delay relay CR, pulls in, the positive side of chargedcapacitor C is referenced to ground and the cathode C of SCR 32 throughthe now closed but normally open front contact CR, of CR,. Thus thecathode C of SCR 32 is driven positive by the discharge of C withrespect to its anode A causing SCR 32 to turn off and in turn causingspray distributors 1 to stop.

Diode D is provided in the circuit parallel with the inductive loads ofsaid subnetworks consisting of the solenoids A through G to protect theassociated circuit elements from the back or counter electromotive forceproduced by the inductive loads.

The circuit shown in FIG. 6 is substantially identical to that shown inFIG. 5 with the exception that the character selection switches 8,,through S are electromagnetically operated by means of relays CR,through CR which are selectively energized by'the digit selectorswitches S through 8,.

For example, if one desires to generate the character figure eight,switch S is closed simultaneously activating all of the relays CRthrough CR which are connected in parallel with one another. As anotherexample, if the digit one is to be generated, switch S is closed therebyenergizing relays CR and CR alone. Referring again to FIG. 3, it isreadily determined that segments A and B of the master matrix would begenerated thereby producing a segmented digit one.

Wherein the character selection circuit of FIG. 5 must be manuallyoperated, the character selection circuit of FIG. 6 is adapted toautomatic computer operationihe switches S through S may beindependently and selectively actuated by a computer tape read outmachine to generate the digit or character corresponding to the selectedswitch.

I claim:

1. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray nozzles each adapted to spray a line segment on an objectto be marked, mounting means supporting said nozzles in a predeterminedarrangement to permit the sprayed line segments from a combination ofsaid nozzles to produce a desired character, marking fluid supply meansconnected with said nozzles to supply marking fluid thereto for sprayingsaid line segments, and valve meansito selectively actuate desiredcombinations of said nozzles, said valve means including a separatesolenoid for each of said nozzles to independently actuate the same, aclosed loop series electric circuit including a power source and aswitch and a character selection network consisting of a parallelconnection of subnetworks equal in number to the number of saidsolenoids and each including a series connection of one of saidsolenoids and a switch, said switch consisting of a semiconductorcontrolled rectifier with associated circuit means to switch saidrectifier on for a predetermined period.

2. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray nozzles each adapted to spray'a line segment on an objectto be marked, mounting means supporting said nozzles in a predeterminedarrangement to permit the sprayed line segments from a combination ofsaid nozzles to produce a desired character, marking fluid supply meansconnected with said nozzles to supply marking fluid thereto for sprayingsaid line segments, and valve means to selectively actuate desiredcombinations of said nozzles, said valve means including a separatesolenoid for each of said nozzles to independently actuate the same, aclosed loop series electric circuit including a power source and aswitch and a character selection network consisting of a parallelconnection of subnetworks equal in number to the numbei of saidsolenoids and each including a series connection of one of saidsolenoids and a switch, said subnetwork switches consisting of gangedrotary switches each having a number of switch positions equal to thenumber of characters to be generated, said switch positions of each ofsaid rotary switches being selectively connected with its respectivesolenoid to successively generate a different character with each gangedswitchposition.

3. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray nozzles each adapted to spray a line segment on an objectto be marked, mounting means supporting said nozzles in a predeterminedarrangement to permit the sprayed line segments from a combinationofsaid nozzles to produce a desired character, marking fluid supplymeans connected with said nozzles to supply marking fluid thereto forspraying said line segments, and valve means to selectively actuatedesired combinations of said nozzles, said valve means including aseparate solenoid for each of said nozzles to independently actuate thesame, a closed loop series electric circuit including a power source anda switch and a character selection network consisting of a parallelconnection of sub networks equal in number to the number of saidsolenoids and each including a series connection of one of saidsolenoids and a switch, electromagnets respectively connected toindependently operate each of said subnetwork switches, each of saidelectromagnets having one terminal end connected to one terminal of apower source, a plurality of character selection switches equal innumber to the different characters to be generated and each having oneend connected to the other terminal of said power source, each other endof each of said switches being connected to an independent selection ofthe other terminal ends of said electromagnets to generate the segmentedcharacter corresponding to each of said character selection switches.

4. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray distributors each having a spray nozzle adapted to spray aline segment on an object to be marked, mounting means supporting saidnozzles in cooperative arrangement with respect to one another to spraya segmented character master matrix on said object when simultaneouslyactivated, fluid supply meansconnected with said distributors to supplymarking fluid thereto, electromagnetic valve means operably coupledwithsaid distributors to independently actuate the same, and electricalcircuit means connected with said valve means to actuate a predeterminedselection of said distributors, said fluid supply means comprising aclosed loop fluid series circuit=including a marking fluid source and apump to provide a continuously recirculating marking fluid feed to saiddistributors. v

5. The character generation marking device of claim 4 characterized inthat said distributors are connected to parallel with one another insaid closed loop series circuit.

6. The character generation marking device of claim 4 wherein saidclosed loop series circuit also includes a filter.

7. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray distributors each having a spray nozzle adapted to sprayaline segment on an object to be marked, mounting means supporting saidnozzles in cooperative arrangement with respect to one another to spraya segmented character master matrix on said'object when simultaneouslyactivated, fluid supply means connected with said distributors to supplymarking fluid thereto, electromagnetic valve means operably coupled withsaid distributors to independently actuate the same, and electricalcircuit means connected with said valve means to actuate a predeterminedselection of said distributors, said distributors comprisingpneumatically operated spray guns, said valve means including apneumatic pressure source operably connected with each of said guns anda solenoid operated pneumatic valve for each of said guns and connectedintermediate each of said guns and said pneumatic source for independentactuation of said guns.

8. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray distributors each having a spray nozzle adapted to spray a.line segment on an object to be marked, mounting means supporting saidnozzles in cooperative arrangement with respect to one another to spraya segmented character master matrix on said object when simultaneouslyactivated, fluid supply means connected with said distributors to supplymarking fluid thereto, electromagnetic valve means operably coupled withsaid distributors to independently actuate the same, and electricalcircuit means connected with said valve means to actuate a predeterminedselection of said distributors, said electromagnetic valve meansincluding a separate solenoid for each of said distributors, saidcircuit means comprising a closed loop series circuit including a powersource and a switch and a character selection network consisting of aparallel connection of subnetworks equal in number to the number of saidsolenoids and each including a series connection of one of saidsolenoids and a switch, said switch comprising a semiconductorcontrolled rectifier with associated circuit means to switch saidrectifier on for a predetermined interval.

9. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray distributors each having a spray nozzle adapted to spray aline segment on an object to be marked, mounting means supporting saidnozzles in cooperative arrangement with respect to one another to spraya segmented character master matrix on said object when simultaneouslyactivated, fluid supply means connected with said distributors to supplymarking fluid thereto, electromagnetic valve means operably coupled withsaid distributors to independently actuate the same, and electricalcircuit means connected with said valve means to actuate a predeterminedselection of said distributors, said electromagnetic valve meansincluding a separate solenoid for each of said distributors, saidcircuit means comprising a closed loop series circuit including a powersource and a switch and a character selection network consisting of aparallel connection of subnetworks equal in number to the number of saidsolenoids and each including a series connection of one of saidsolenoids and a switch, characterized in that said subnetwork switchesare ganged rotary switches each having a number of switch positionsequal to the number of characters to be generated, said switch positionsof each .of said rotary switches being selectively connected-with itsrespective solenoid to successively generate a different character witheach ganged switch position.

10. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray distributors each having a spray nozzle adapted to spray aline segment on an object to be marked, mounting means supporting saidnozzles in cooperative arrangement with respect to one another to spraya segmented character master matrix on said object when simultaneouslyactivated, fluid supply means connected with said distributors to supplymarking fluid thereto, electromagnetic valve means operably coupled withsaid distributors to independently actuate the same, and electricalcircuit means connected with said valve means to actuate a predeterminedselection of said distributors, said electromagnetic valve meansincluding a separate solenoid for each of said distributors, saidcircuit means comprising a closed loop series circuit including a powersource and a switch and a character selection network consisting of aparallel connection of subnetworks equal in number to the number of saidsolenoids and each including a series connection of one of saidsolenoids and a switch, characterized in that said subnetwork switchesare operated by corresponding electromagnets, each of saidelectromagnets having one terminal end connected to one terminal of apower source, a plurality of character selection switches equal innumber to the different characters to be generated and each having oneend connected to the other terminal of said power source, each other endof each of said switches being connected to an independent selection ofthe other terminal ends of said electromagnets to generate the segmentedcharacter corresponding to each of said character selection switches.

1. A character generation marking device comprising a plurality ofliquid spray nozzles each adapted to spray a line segment on an objectto be marked, mounting means supporting said nozzles in a predeterminedarrangement to permit the sprayed line segments from a combination ofsaid nozzles to produce a desired character, marking fluid supply meansconnected with said nozzles to supply marking fluid thereto for sprayingsaid line segments, and valve means to selectively actuate desiredcombinations of said nozzles, said valve means including a separatesolenoid for each of said nozzles to independently actuate the same, aclosed loop series electric circuit including a pOwer source and aswitch and a character selection network consisting of a parallelconnection of subnetworks equal in number to the number of saidsolenoids and each including a series connection of one of saidsolenoids and a switch, said switch consisting of a semiconductorcontrolled rectifier with associated circuit means to switch saidrectifier on for a predetermined period.
 2. A character generationmarking device comprising a plurality of liquid spray nozzles eachadapted to spray a line segment on an object to be marked, mountingmeans supporting said nozzles in a predetermined arrangement to permitthe sprayed line segments from a combination of said nozzles to producea desired character, marking fluid supply means connected with saidnozzles to supply marking fluid thereto for spraying said line segments,and valve means to selectively actuate desired combinations of saidnozzles, said valve means including a separate solenoid for each of saidnozzles to independently actuate the same, a closed loop series electriccircuit including a power source and a switch and a character selectionnetwork consisting of a parallel connection of subnetworks equal innumber to the number of said solenoids and each including a seriesconnection of one of said solenoids and a switch, said subnetworkswitches consisting of ganged rotary switches each having a number ofswitch positions equal to the number of characters to be generated, saidswitch positions of each of said rotary switches being selectivelyconnected with its respective solenoid to successively generate adifferent character with each ganged switch position.
 3. A charactergeneration marking device comprising a plurality of liquid spray nozzleseach adapted to spray a line segment on an object to be marked, mountingmeans supporting said nozzles in a predetermined arrangement to permitthe sprayed line segments from a combination of said nozzles to producea desired character, marking fluid supply means connected with saidnozzles to supply marking fluid thereto for spraying said line segments,and valve means to selectively actuate desired combinations of saidnozzles, said valve means including a separate solenoid for each of saidnozzles to independently actuate the same, a closed loop series electriccircuit including a power source and a switch and a character selectionnetwork consisting of a parallel connection of subnetworks equal innumber to the number of said solenoids and each including a seriesconnection of one of said solenoids and a switch, electromagnetsrespectively connected to independently operate each of said subnetworkswitches, each of said electromagnets having one terminal end connectedto one terminal of a power source, a plurality of character selectionswitches equal in number to the different characters to be generated andeach having one end connected to the other terminal of said powersource, each other end of each of said switches being connected to anindependent selection of the other terminal ends of said electromagnetsto generate the segmented character corresponding to each of saidcharacter selection switches.
 4. A character generation marking devicecomprising a plurality of liquid spray distributors each having a spraynozzle adapted to spray a line segment on an object to be marked,mounting means supporting said nozzles in cooperative arrangement withrespect to one another to spray a segmented character master matrix onsaid object when simultaneously activated, fluid supply means connectedwith said distributors to supply marking fluid thereto, electromagneticvalve means operably coupled with said distributors to independentlyactuate the same, and electrical circuit means connected with said valvemeans to actuate a predetermined selection of said distributors, saidfluid supply means comprising a closed loop fluid series circuitincluding a marking fluid source and a pump to provide a continuouslyrecirculating marking fluid feed to said distributors.
 5. The charactergeneration marking device of claim 4 characterized in that saiddistributors are connected to parallel with one another in said closedloop series circuit.
 6. The character generation marking device of claim4 wherein said closed loop series circuit also includes a filter.
 7. Acharacter generation marking device comprising a plurality of liquidspray distributors each having a spray nozzle adapted to spray a linesegment on an object to be marked, mounting means supporting saidnozzles in cooperative arrangement with respect to one another to spraya segmented character master matrix on said object when simultaneouslyactivated, fluid supply means connected with said distributors to supplymarking fluid thereto, electromagnetic valve means operably coupled withsaid distributors to independently actuate the same, and electricalcircuit means connected with said valve means to actuate a predeterminedselection of said distributors, said distributors comprisingpneumatically operated spray guns, said valve means including apneumatic pressure source operably connected with each of said guns anda solenoid operated pneumatic valve for each of said guns and connectedintermediate each of said guns and said pneumatic source for independentactuation of said guns.
 8. A character generation marking devicecomprising a plurality of liquid spray distributors each having a spraynozzle adapted to spray a line segment on an object to be marked,mounting means supporting said nozzles in cooperative arrangement withrespect to one another to spray a segmented character master matrix onsaid object when simultaneously activated, fluid supply means connectedwith said distributors to supply marking fluid thereto, electromagneticvalve means operably coupled with said distributors to independentlyactuate the same, and electrical circuit means connected with said valvemeans to actuate a predetermined selection of said distributors, saidelectromagnetic valve means including a separate solenoid for each ofsaid distributors, said circuit means comprising a closed loop seriescircuit including a power source and a switch and a character selectionnetwork consisting of a parallel connection of subnetworks equal innumber to the number of said solenoids and each including a seriesconnection of one of said solenoids and a switch, said switch comprisinga semiconductor controlled rectifier with associated circuit means toswitch said rectifier on for a predetermined interval.
 9. A charactergeneration marking device comprising a plurality of liquid spraydistributors each having a spray nozzle adapted to spray a line segmenton an object to be marked, mounting means supporting said nozzles incooperative arrangement with respect to one another to spray a segmentedcharacter master matrix on said object when simultaneously activated,fluid supply means connected with said distributors to supply markingfluid thereto, electromagnetic valve means operably coupled with saiddistributors to independently actuate the same, and electrical circuitmeans connected with said valve means to actuate a predeterminedselection of said distributors, said electromagnetic valve meansincluding a separate solenoid for each of said distributors, saidcircuit means comprising a closed loop series circuit including a powersource and a switch and a character selection network consisting of aparallel connection of subnetworks equal in number to the number of saidsolenoids and each including a series connection of one of saidsolenoids and a switch, characterized in that said subnetwork switchesare ganged rotary switches each having a number of switch positionsequal to the number of characters to be generated, said switch positionsof each of said rotary switches being selectively connected with itsrespective solenoid to successively generate a different character witheach ganged switch position.
 10. A character generation marking devicecomprising a plurality of liQuid spray distributors each having a spraynozzle adapted to spray a line segment on an object to be marked,mounting means supporting said nozzles in cooperative arrangement withrespect to one another to spray a segmented character master matrix onsaid object when simultaneously activated, fluid supply means connectedwith said distributors to supply marking fluid thereto, electromagneticvalve means operably coupled with said distributors to independentlyactuate the same, and electrical circuit means connected with said valvemeans to actuate a predetermined selection of said distributors, saidelectromagnetic valve means including a separate solenoid for each ofsaid distributors, said circuit means comprising a closed loop seriescircuit including a power source and a switch and a character selectionnetwork consisting of a parallel connection of subnetworks equal innumber to the number of said solenoids and each including a seriesconnection of one of said solenoids and a switch, characterized in thatsaid subnetwork switches are operated by corresponding electromagnets,each of said electromagnets having one terminal end connected to oneterminal of a power source, a plurality of character selection switchesequal in number to the different characters to be generated and eachhaving one end connected to the other terminal of said power source,each other end of each of said switches being connected to anindependent selection of the other terminal ends of said electromagnetsto generate the segmented character corresponding to each of saidcharacter selection switches.